Fall 2017: "Hamlet(te): The Plié's the Thing"
Acclaimed by many as the best collaboration with Library Dances yet, this show followed the two-for-one model of one acts, with a serious opener of a theatre/ballet hybrid followed by a zany act two that took the source material and turned it on its head. This time? None other than Shakespeare's most honored tragedy - Hamlet! Act One blended student actors, narrators, and dancers with professional dancers from State Street Ballet to breathe fresh life into one of the greatest works of Western literature. Act Two, however, brought "Hamlette" by Alison Williams. In this wacky one act, Hamlet is female and wants to use her place in theatrical history to overthrow the patriarchy. It's no surprise that this was penned by the same playwright who brought us "Drop Dead, Juliet!" and this show was just as fun, messy, and funny. This fall saw many fresh new faces in the form of a strong talent base of new seventh graders - things were changing, and a musical finally seemed within reach! |
Spring 2018: "Annie Jr. "
After a long, dry spell of no musicals, we were finally able to bring one to the stage again with a revival of the classic "Annie Jr."! Despite the relative youth of the cast in comparison to past shows, this cast and crew brought it, and did a fantastic job! Another small-but-mighty ensemble, many students in this show were playing two or even three or four roles! Bursting with vocal talent and dancing skills to match, this production had audiences raving and tickets selling like never before in Mr. Lashua's tenure. Other notable points of collaboration: this show had the most staff and faculty joining Mr. L and Mark, as Ms. LaFace ably handled the vocal direction, Ms. Schettler returned to choreograph with Ms. Wittrock, and Mr. Iacono graciously stepped in for a cameo as President Roosevelt. Finally, this show will always hold a special place in Mr. L's heart as it became the stage debut for Rick Lashua as Sandy the Dog. |